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PEAR. (Pyrus Communis.) 



The pear is a tree of pyramidal and elegant form. The 

 leaves are obtuse, elliptical, serrated; the flowers, which 

 are produced on the short spurs of the former year, or of 

 the preceding years, are in terminating villose corymbs; 

 the fruit pyramidally formed, tapering towards the stalk, 

 but varying in the different species. Its branches in a 

 wild state are covered with thorns. It grows spontaneously, 

 as we are informed, in every part of Europe, as far north 

 as the latitude of 51. It will also succeed in those parts 

 of the United States where the apple tree will flourish, pro- 

 vided the soil is suitable. In New England, it flourishes as 

 in its native soil. It is distinguished from the apple tree 

 not less by its form than by its disposition to emit suckers 

 from its roots, whenever these become obstructed by stones 

 or other substances, or become bruised or broken. The 

 pear tree is a tree of longer duration than the apple. It is 

 stated that, in dry soils, they will continue in health, vigor, 

 and productiveness for centuries. 



The timber is of a yellowish color, very firm, compact, 

 and fine-grained, and is used for joiners' tools, &,c. &-c. It 

 takes a fine polish, and, stained of a black color, it resem- 

 bles ebony. The leaves will produce a yellow dye. In 

 those parts of Europe possessing a climate similar to our 

 own, in Italy and France, the pear is said to be in higher 

 estimation as a dessert fruit than the apple. 



Uses. Good dessert pears are generally preferred to 

 apples ; they are characterized by a pulp tender and melt- 

 ing, or subliquid, as in the beurree pears, with a juice of 

 a sugary, aromatic flavor ; or of a firm and brittle or crisp 

 consistence, or breaking. Cooking pears should be of 

 large size, the flesh firm, neither breaking nor melting, of 

 an austere rather than sweet taste. 



Perry (poire of the French) is the fermented juice, made 

 in the same manner as cider, from fruit of any size ; and 

 the best perry is stated to be little inferior to wine, and 

 the most austere fruits produce the best liquor. The pear 

 is also good for baking, compotes, marmalade, &,c. They 

 are also preserved in sugar or sirup of the cane. Dried 



